PLO Blasts Israel for Saying PA Statehood Should Follow Talks

PLO official Ashrawi criticizes Israel and U.S. over their reaction to Sweden's decision to recognize “the state of Palestine”.

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Ben Ariel, 06/10/14 04:42

PLO official Hanan Ashrawi

Israel news photo: Flash 90

Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Executive Committee Member Hanan Ashrawi has criticized Israel and the United States over their reaction to Sweden's decision to recognize “the state of Palestine”, the Ma’an news agency reported on Sunday.

"Conditioning recognition of the State of Palestine on the outcome of negotiations with Israel is equivalent to making our right to self-determination an Israeli prerogative," Ashrawi said in a statement.

"This fails to address the very basis of the values upon which the United Nations was founded, including its responsibility to protect and act accordingly. We call upon all those countries who haven't recognized the State of Palestine to do so as an investment in peace, as well as a long overdue right of the Palestinian people," she added, according to Ma’an.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Sunday told Sweden that unilateral actions will only reduce the chances of reaching a peace agreement with the Palestinian Authority (PA).

"Unilateral measures are contrary to agreements. They will not bring peace closer, they only move it further away, he said, adding, "An agreement will only be achieved in negotiations that will ensure Israel's national interests and, first and foremost, the security of Israeli citizens.”

"The prime minister said that the conflict between Israel and Palestine can be solved through the two-state solution, by negotiations in accordance with the principles of international law,” the Swedish Embassy in Israel said in a statement.

The solution “must guarantee the legitimate demands of both Palestinians and Israelis, to self-determination and security. The two-state solution requires mutual recognition and the will to live together in peace. The prime minister summed up by saying that as a result, Sweden would recognize the Palestinian state,” the statement added.